Discover the immense beauty of Scandinavia - a fantastic tour for body and soul! Spring Tour Itinerary Scandinavia 2017 Draft, version 170110 Alt. 2 Tour overview map The Nordic countries Experience the North of Europe, join our nice combination of routes by both car, train and ship, seeing spectacular nature and landscapes as well as several beautiful, clean and interesting cities! This tour gives you a great overview of both Norway, Sweden and Finland in a rather short time - while still keeping a relaxing pace. You will visit some of Scandinavia s cities and their wealth of museums, nice architecture, restaurants and shops. You will also see and enjoy several UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the way. Page 1 (10)
Helsinki Cathedral Stockholm City Hall Stockholm Old Town Old Town, Stockholm Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm Uspenskij Cathedral, Helsinki Stockholm shopping street Day 1 - Helsinki, the capital of Finland Arrival to Helsinki, usually at lunchtime. Due to travelling through the different time zones you will win some hours in the calendar. Maybe even arriving on the same date as your departure from Jakarta! Transfer from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to city centre and your good hotel in a nice location. (Best is to take a taxi, pre-ordered if possible, not included). Check-in to hotel. The capital of Finland is situated on the country s Southern coast at the Baltic Sea, and is known for its pleasant city centre, lively market halls and clean open spaces. We recommend the Kauppahalli (the Food Market Hall, close to the harbour), the Temple Church (Tempelliaukion kirkko) built underground into a rock, the Uspenskij Cathedral (Russian orthodox) or why not visit the main department store Stockmanns or a downtown café. Strolling around the city. We would suggest one or two of the above city attractions, if you are not too tired after your long flight. Tip: Don t go to bed too early on this 1st day! Staying awake until ca 8 p.m. will likely help to get over your jet lag and set your inner clock right! Prepare for next day s departure by ship to Stockholm (your cruise departs in late afternoon). Dinner (not included in your tour) and overnight in Helsinki. Day 2 - Helsinki and then ship cruise to Stockholm Breakfast and check-out, but leave your luggage at the hotel. Visit one more city attractions. Transfer to the harbour and your Silja Tallink ship, by taxi or on foot. Usually at 5 p.m. local Finnish time: Ship departure for Stockholm, ca 16 hrs. Your cabins are comfortable and not too small. The ship is large and has several restaurants, shops, a spa department as well as cinema and night club with entertainment - and a discotheque. Buffet dinner on board is included in your tour. Day 3 - Arriving Stockholm centre, introduction Arrival to Stockholm, Venice of the North, in the morning. Breakfast onboard your cruise ship. Transfer (not included) from the harbour to your good hotel, well located in Stockholm city centre. Check-in. Meet with our representative (usually Tobbe) in Stockholm to get some maps, instructions and your tickets for public transport. Strolling around the city centre to get a first glimpse of this ca 800 years old, very clean and attractive city, which is built on many islands. Welcome dinner at a nice restaurant in Stockholm. (Included in your tour. With no or a limited amount of alcoholic drinks). Overnight in your hotel. Day 4 - Discovering Stockholm centre and Old Town Breakfast at your hotel. Guided tour in Stockholm city centre and Old Town, on foot and by public transport. Finished after lunchtime. Page 2 (10)
After the tour, drop-off at the Vasa Museum or city centre. The Vasa is Scandinavia s most visited attraction, a warship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 - and it s very well preserved! The rest of the day, you can discover Stockholm on your own. You can use your public transport tickets to get around easily and safely. Dinner in a restaurant in Stockholm centre. (Not included). Overnight at your hotel Dalarö, Stockholm Bergen old harbour from the water Old Bergen Bryggen, Bergen Day 5 - Stockholm Breakfast in your hotel. Minibus tour around the city and some of its sights, as well as the Stockholm countryside: Drottningholm Palace and/or a nearby nice and picturesque town(s): Dalarö, Sigtuna or Waxholm. (The minibus tour is included in your tour, lunch not included). Free time during afternoon and evening. Dinner in a restaurant in Stockholm centre. (Not included). Pack and prepare for departure the next day. Day 6 - Flight to Bergen! Breakfast at your hotel, check-out. Taxi transfer from hotel to Stockholm Arlanda airport (arranged by the hotel, taxi not included). Flight to Bergen, ca 1:20 hrs direct flight, departure around noon time. Transfer to Bergen city centre and your hotel. Check in to your nice hotel in a central location. Bergen is Norway s second largest city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a major port situated at the West Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The city offers world class experiences and culture. Being the gateway to the Fjords of Norway, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture and interesting urban attractions all the year round. We suggest that you stroll around the centre and old harbour of Bergen. It s an attractive city with lots of things to discover. Don t miss the fish market at the inner harbour, and the Bryggen area from Medieval Hanseatic League trade. Distances are quite short, so all the sights above are easy to reach on foot from your hotel. It s probably a good idea to save some of the sights for the next day. Dinner at a good restaurant, we would recommend fish or seafood. (Not included in your tour). Overnight at your hotel. View from Fløyen viewpoint, Bergen Day 7 - Discovering Bergen further Breakfast at your hotel. We recommend a tour up with the funicular railway up to the hill and viewpoint of Fløyen, high above Bergen centre. (Tickets are included in your tour, for a specific day). Great views over the city, its harbours and islands - and possibilities for a coffee or lunch break! Page 3 (10)
Other things to see are Old Bergen (NO.: Gamle Bergen ) with old wooden houses, all with similar architecture, or Troldhaugen, home of the famous composer Edward Grieg. Or why not go on a short shopping round? There are many shops selling the classical Norwegian handicraft items, like trolls, spoons, wooden items, beautifully knit wool sweaters, or smoked or dried fish! There are also shopping malls, one of them is close to the train station. Dinner in Bergen city centre. (Not included in your tour). Prepare and pack for your departure the next day. Overnight at your hotel. Flåmsbana mountain railway Car ferry on fjord Flåm Marina & Apartments Express boat Bergen-Flåm Stegastein viewpoint, Aurland Day 8 - Train ride to Norway s Fjord Country! Breakfast at hotel, check-out from hotel. Transfer to Bergen Station, ca 15 mins walk from your hotel. Alternatively, take a taxi (your hotel can help to order it, price not included in your tour). Now, you have a 3-4 hours comfortable train journey ahead, the Oslo Express train taking you away from the comparatively flat (for Norway!) landscape at the coast and up the high plateau of Hardangervidda. Here you will change trains at Myrdal station, a small village and railway junction at ca 860 m.a.s.l. Flåmsbana - rated as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The Flåm Railway is the result of some very admirable railway engineering efforts almost one hundred years ago. The train partly runs in spirally-formed tunnels inside the mountain, and the ride offers spectacular views of the Norwegian mountain landscape. The train also stops at a waterfall, and then continues down the valley to Flåm, situated at the Fjord. Optional: Instead of going by train, you can take the 5½ hr express boat from Bergen to Flåm. The route takes a scenic route along the coast, then into the Sognefjord, Norway s longest with 210 kms length! Dramatic scenery, especially at the end of your journey. Whichever transport option you choose, you will arrive to the small but very beautifully located village of Flåm, at one of the inner branches of the Sognefjord. View from Flåm apartment (accommodation example) The small village with the grand surroundings Flåm is at the inner part of the Sognefjord, surrounded by steep mountains, rivers, waterfalls and narrow valleys, and during the spring and summer months there are large cruise ships slowly passing through the narrow fjord with their course set for the tiny Flåm Harbour. Check-in to your apartment (or hotel, to be confirmed), in a central and very beautiful location. Walk around to discover Flåm village, perhaps watching the small but lively harbour. Dinner at Fretheim Hotel. Or alternatively, if you prefer a more rustic Viking-style dinner with beer (if you wish), in Aegir Brewery & Pub. (Not included in your tour). View of Flåm upper village Overnight at Flåm Marina & Apartments or Fretheim Hotel (to be confirmed), with a great view over the Aurlandsfjord! Page 4 (10)
Aurland & Flåm Borgund stave church Gloppen Hotel Flåm view Mountain road, in summer! Day 9 - Enjoying Flåm! Breakfast in your apartment (or at hotel). From ca 09:00: A minibus tour (included in your tour) will take you for a 2-3 hour ride around the beautiful neighbourhood of Flåm: Mountains, villages, lakes, serpentine roads, great views and tunnels. The exact route depends on road and snow conditions - it s still spring! Maybe a lunch or coffee break on the way? After your return to Flåm: lunch and some relax time. Further exploring this tiny but spectacular village. Recommended: A walk along the fjord, or walk up along the river to the old village of Flåm and further into the Flåm Valley, where you can also see the Flåm Railway route. Afternoon activity: You will take a 2-3 hr RIB-tour (speedboat) along the Naerøyfjord, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Warm and protective clothes included). Dinner in Flåm. (Not included in your tour). Preparing for departure next day. Overnight in Flåm. Day 10 - Car trip Flåm - Sandane, Part I In the morning: Pick-up with minibus from your Flåm hotel/apartment. (Rented taxi with driver, included in your tour). You will travel comfortably on a very beautiful route ca 230 kms from Flåm to Sandane. It s ca 5-6 hrs incl. de-tours. You will pass several viewpoints, mountain roads, mainland Europe s largest glacier on the way, as well as a car ferry and long road tunnels. Suggested stops: Borgund ancient wooden church (close to Laerdal), the Glacier Museum in Fjaerland, plus the Fjaerland fjord and village. Stops for lunch, coffee and photo breaks as needed (lunch/coffee not included). Your exact route will depend on the road conditions (due to how much snow is still left from the winter). Check-in at the famous Gloppen Hotel. This is an old wooden hotel from the middle of the 19th century, when salmon fishing and mountaineering in Norway became popular among the British nobles. Discover the small village of Sandane and its surroundings, on foot. Dinner at Gloppen Hotel, high-quality food with local specialities (included in your tour *). Prepare and pack for next day s departure. Overnight at Gloppen Hotel. Djupvassvatn, close to Geiranger Geirangerfjord Page 5 (10) Day 11 - Car trip Sandane-Geiranger, Part II Breakfast and check-out. Pick-up in the morning from Gloppen hotel, with the minibus. Car trip to the famous fjord village of Geiranger, ca 150 kms, 4-5 hrs including stops and de-tours (with a rented taxi /minibus, included in your tour). You will again pass mountain viewpoints, a fjords scenery road, a summer ski center and a short car ferry during the way. Photo stops are possible where you wish, as well as breaks for coffee or lunch (not included). Optional: Helicopter tour (not included in your tour). Again, the route can be affected by road conditions. After a drive up to the famous Dalsnibba viewpoint, you will arrive to Geiranger in the afternoon. This place is known as the real jewel of the Norwegian fjords. Geirangerfjord has a characteristic S shape, some high waterfalls and abandoned mountain farms, and is included on UNESCO s list of World Heritage sites. Overnight at the first class Union Hotel in Geiranger. (Subject to availability). *) With no or few alcoholic drinks.
Trollstigen road Romsdal road, at Åndalsnes Aker Brygge, Oslo Viking ship museum, Oslo Romsdal valley Day 12 - Car to Åndalsnes - Part III, and further on to Oslo! Breakfast in your hotel, check-out. Pick-up by your comfortable minibus for your drive towards Åndalsnes, a total of ca 3 hrs (150 kms) drive including stops. Just after Geiranger, you will pass the famous Ørnesvingen viewpoint just before climbing over the mountain plateau, cross the Storfjorden with a short car ferry route, passing a gorge and then going North descending along the famous Trollstigen serpentine road, road 63. Continuing down to the little town Åndalsnes, residing in a fjord at the Atlantic Coast. Check-in to your hotel. Walk around in the little village and port of Åndalsnes. This is a connection point between the sea, the roads and the railway to Oslo. You can buy some picnic food in Åndalsnes to bring with you for the train ride. Day 13 - Train to Oslo! Breakfast in your hotel, check-out. Walk to the railway station. Train to Oslo: Leaving Åndalsnes in the morning or lunch time, going to Oslo. A dramatic landscape will unwind outside your train windows, especially during the first 2 hours. The comfortable ride to Oslo takes ca 5½ hours. Change of trains (easy) in either Dombås or Lillehammer. Maybe take a simple lunch on the train while watching the scenery (lunch is not included). Arrival to Oslo in the afternoon. Check-in to your hotel in central Oslo. Stroll around in the hotel neighbourhood. Overnight in your Oslo hotel. Day 14 - Discovering Oslo! The capital of Norway sits on the country s Southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, and is known for its lively and pleasant city centre, clean open spaces and its museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy peninsula, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Viking Ships (ships from the 10th century), Fram or Ra II and the Norsk Folkemuseum, with artifacts from Sami and Viking cultures. Lunch in Oslo centre. (Not included). Visit one more of the city attractions: for example Vigeland s sculpture Park, the Troll Museum or maybe the modern city district of Aker Brygge. Dinner in a restaurant in Oslo centre. (Not included). Prepare and pack for next day s departure. Check your transfer to the airport with the hotel. (Not included in your tour). Day 15 - Flight back to South-East Asia Breakfast in your hotel. Check-out, but you can leave your luggage in the hotel. (Your return flight is often in the afternoon). Enjoy you final hours in Oslo before travelling back to South East Asia Maybe some final shopping, coffee break,? Transfer to the airport (taxi). Your flight usually leaves Oslo Gardermoen Airport during the day. Day 16 - Arriving Jakarta Stop-over in probably Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul depending on airline. Arrival to Jakarta, usually in the afternoon. Page 6 (10)
Please note Mountain and lake scenery, Norway This itinerary is a draft and the details may change when we get closer to your tour, depending on your choices. The order of places, sights and the timing can change, depending on opening hours, schedules of flights and availbility of specific activities. Hotels are subject to availability, especially in the smaller villages in Norway s fjord country. During spring (May) in Scandinavia, temperatures are usually between 10-20 degrees C. On higher altitudes, temperatures can go down as low as to 5 degrees. Remaining snow can affect mountain roads. Some of them can therefore be closed until middle or end of May. Some Google images and maps have been used when preparing this document. Things to manage before your trip Valid passport (valid at least 6 months into the future from the time of travel) Insurance (travel, accident & health) A valid visa for Norway is needed. You need to allow sufficient time for this process. This visa is of Schengen type, which means it s also valid for Sweden (and other Schengen countries ). Stockholm, City on the Water Fjaerland Geiranger RIB tour Vasa Museum, Stockholm View at Fjaerlandfjord, Norway Page 7 (10)
Finland - Sweden - Norway Tour: 14 days (13 full days + 2 half-days) & 14 nights All-inclusive package, including most things you will need during the week (except most meals) On-your-own travel concept. No personal guide during most of the tour => makes you see, experience and enjoy more! Included in the package Accommodation in good hotels in good locations, with breakfast (exception: Flåm Apartment Hotel) A Welcome Dinner in Stockholm plus one dinner in an old traditional hotel in Norway s fjord country. (No or few alcoholic drinks included). All flights, trains, boat/ferry & taxi transport along the tour within Finland, Sweden and Norway. One of the car transfers runs over 3 days and ca 600 kms (exception: transfers which cannot be organised in advance in a safe way) Minibus and RIB tour in Flåm 2 city tours in Stockholm, by foot and by minibus, with guide Tickets and entrance fees to some attractions in Bergen and Stockholm Local taxes Communication and information via email and conference calls (in English) where we also together adapt the tour to the client s wishes General information Confirmation of arrangements to be sent to you in advance, to support your visa applications A more detailed itinerary and general travel information for Scandinavia will be given later, also including maps, timetables and other useful info NOT included (for all tours listed in this document) Flights from Indonesia to Europe and return Additional food & beverages, on top of hotel breakfast Additional personal expenses (hotel telephone, laundry, mini bar etc.) Additional activities and tours, not specified in your itinerary document Insurance Tips to drivers, hotel staff etc. Visa application. Needs to be done by the traveller him/herself Price indication Please contact us for a price indication! The price depends on various options chosen for your tour. Please note: Invoices are to be paid in SEK (Swedish Kronor). We reserve the right to adjust invoices accordingly, if the exchange rates for NOK/SEK, USD/SEK or USD/NOK are changing more than the usual fluctuation. Exact dates for travel are not yet known. The above price indication assumes that hotel rooms and flight seats are available on the chosen dates and to the costs assumed. An exact price quote can be given after your travel dates are known and hotel & transport costs have been confirmed. Torbjorn Halvarsson Norwegian coastline, in May Djupdalsvagen 67 SE-16771 BROMMA Phone: +46 768 593 995 VAT Nbr.: SE559052695901 Email: torbjorn.halvarsson@gmail.com Page 8 (10)
Flåm- Aurlandsfjord area Sognefjord Aurlandsfjord Stegastein Viewpoint Naerøyfjord Aurland Flåm (your hotel) Satellite view of Flåm area and the Aurlandsfjord Flåm- Aurlandsfjord area Geirangerfjord Naerøyfjord Incl. Flåm Railway Satellite view of Myrdal-Flåm area Geirangerfjord area Geiranger (your hotel) Mt. Dalsnibba Viewpoint Page 9 (10)
Fjords, mountains and the sea... View from the Snow Road towards Aurland and Flåm Undredal village, near Flåm Flåm Railway: Waterfall at Vatnahalsen From Flåm Marina Mt. Dalsnibba, Geiranger Fjord at Fjaerland Geiranger Fjord Page 10 (10) View from Union Hotel Ørnesvingen, Geiranger